Former NSW premier confirmed as Tigers chairman

Former NSW premier Barry O’Farrell has been appointed as the replacement for Marina Go as chair of Wests Tigers.

The joint-venture outfit was on the lookout for an independent director to replace Go after she handed in her resignation to fellow directors in December. However, they convinced her to stay until the NRL concluded its probe into the ambassadorial role offered to Robbie Farah.

Frontman: Former premier Barry O'Farrell has been appointed the Wests Tigers new chairman.Credit:AAP

Now that that case is closed and there is certainty over the future of chief executive Justin Pascoe - he can return from his ban midway through June - powerbrokers annointed O'Farrell as Go's replacement

The Herald revealed O’Farrell was at the top of the shortlist on Monday. The appointment of NSW's 43rd premier, who has previously been floated as a contender the last few times the club required a new chair, was made official on Tuesday morning.

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Ironically, it was a $3000 bottle of Penfolds Grange wine from former Tigers chairman Nick Di Girolamo that brought an end to O’Farrell’s stint as NSW premier. Now that he has the Tigers’ top job, O’Farrell joins ARL Commission chairman Peter Beattie as the second ex-premier in rugby league’s corridors of power.

While O’Farrell is considered a ‘Balmain man’, that didn't count against him becoming chair after he replaced Go as an independent director.

The Racing Australia chief executive will need to call upon all of his considerable political nous as the club prepares to make some big calls on its ownership structure.

Balmain has not been able to financially contribute to Wests Tigers, missing a recent repayment deadline after the embattled Balmain Leagues Club fell into voluntary administration late last year.

Wests Ashfield is tipped to acquire Balmain’s 25 per cent share of the joint-venture outfit if Balmain defaults and its stake goes up for sale. O’Farrell is viewed as a statesman who can sensitively navigate Wests Tigers through the issues to ensure the best possible outcome for all parties.

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O’Farrell already has extensive board experience, having served as a director for Diabetes Australia, Obesity Australia and the Royal Flying Doctor Service South East Section. However, the position with Wests Tigers is his highest-profile directorship yet.

Tigers officials are craving an era of stability after a period of uncertainty at Concord. There have been three coaches - Jason Taylor, Ivan Cleary and Michael Maguire - in as many seasons overseeing a team that hasn’t made the finals since 2011. Wests Ashfield boss Simon Cook is currently acting chief executive until Pascoe is permitted to return to work on June 19.

Save for Chris Lawrence, who is out with a broken jaw, Maguire will have his entire squad to choose from for round one.

Reynolds, Corey Thompson, Matt Eisenhuth, Josh Aloiai and Robbie Rochow all made successful returns from off-season surgery in the trial against the Warriors, while absentees Paul Momirovski and Elijah Taylor are available for selection after overcoming injury niggles.